These are the adventures of Andy and Sally Rawnsley on their narrowboat "The Puzzler". We have been living on the boat for over nine years now and are still loving it. Our Ulster born Shih Tzu, Shannon, has grown up, and has taken over the boat! After three wonderful years in Ireland, we transported The Puzzler to The Netherlands, and spent a year there. In 2015 we went southwards, to reach the north of France by June. After glorious weather throughout the summer, we arrived in Roanne in late October, and enjoyed our winter in this friendly port. We cruised extensively in France in 2016, 2017 and 2018, returning to Roanne each winter.


Monday, 24 December 2012

12th - 21st December. Christmas lights in Enniskillen and Bridge dinners.





Christmas decorations are now up in Enniskillen. This artificial tree looks better at night.



Here we are looking down the High Street in Enniskillen.



These trees are along the river beyond the library.



The most impressive sight is Enniskillen Castle at night, reflected in the River Erne.
In this view from the bridge, Enniskillen Castle is to the left, with a small cottage on the island. The Waterways Ireland building can be seen behind the island.

However at night the cottage becomes much more visible, with a sailing boat on the right of the island.



Bowling continues, with Andy winning first prize at The Forum on Monday.


A week before Christmas, we headed off upstream, passing the Ardhowen Theatre on the way.
We were making for the Killyhevlin Hotel mooring. The Ardhowen Theatre can be seen in the distance, above the stern of The Puzzler.



Reflections today are wonderful.
Looking upstream from the Killyhevlin shows just what a lovely river The Erne is.
We are here for the St Michael's Bridge Club Christmas dinner.
The meal last night was excellent, followed by a good evening of bridge, with prizes for all. Tuesday morning did not dawn bright and clear! The mist was so thick that it was difficult to see anything. However we had to return to Enniskillen, so with all lights on, we slowly cruised back downstream, using the horn at regular intervals, just in case anyone else was silly enough to be on the river in these conditions!


The mist was clear by Wednesday, but there is still a lot of water in the river.
Wednesday night was our second Bridge dinner with the Devenish Bridge Club at Mahon's Hotel in Irvinestown. Another excellent meal, in excellent company.



We mustn't forget the rest of the club.



Everyone was there.



And a good time was had by all.


After the meal it was down to the serious game of bridge, with prizes for all again. We could get used to this!



The Puzzler did not want to be left out, so has some new lights.

3 comments:

  1. Happy Christmas from Angela and Tiger. I'm in Turkey and he's in Ireland and I'm missing him but will be with him on Friday.

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    Replies
    1. Happy Christmas Angela. Give Tiger a pat from me.

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